Barnes Receives “Spirit Award” at Annual Dick Vitale Gala

Barnes Receives “Spirit Award” at Annual Dick Vitale Gala

Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes was among the honorees at the 18th annual Dick Vitale Gala, benefiting the V Foundation, Friday night in Sarasota, Florida.

Barnes was presented with The Dick Vitale Spirit Award at the event, which annually raises several million dollars to support pediatric cancer research.

During his battle with health issues, including lymphoma, in 2022 Vitale—one of the most recognizable figures in basketball broadcasting who has called games for ESPN since the network’s inception in 1979—shared that Barnes was in the habit of sending Vitale a daily prayer via text message.

After missing much of the 2021-22 season to focus on his health and recovery, Vitale returned to his courtside broadcast position last November. And on Jan. 28, 2023, when Tennessee hosted 10th-ranked Texas at Thompson-Boling Arena, Vitale was on the call for ESPN. His colorful analysis served as the TV soundtrack for the Vols’ dominant 82-71 triumph.

-UT Athletics

Vols HC Rick Barnes / Credit: UT Athletics

Headlines

What's happening

Fanboy Expo July 11th-13th- Knoxville Convention Center

Fanboy Expo July 11th-13th- Knoxville Convention Center

Don’t miss Tennessee’s Largest Pop Culture Event, Fanboy Expo on July 11th-13th, 2025 at the Knoxville Convention Center. Come see why over 30,000 fans have attended our Summer events featuring Celebrity Guests, Comic Industry Pros, Cosplay, Vendors, Live Entertainment and much more!

Painting with a Purpose! (with McLain’s Painting Service)

Painting with a Purpose! (with McLain’s Painting Service)

Update: Congratulations to Childhelp Tennessee (Knoxville Services)! They have won a fresh coat of paint up $10,000 from Sherman Williams and McLain’s Painting! Thanks to all those who nominated their favorite Non-profits as yet again it was an extremely tough decision with many great candidates! Painting of the Childhelp Knoxville location will take place on July 19th by McLain’s Painting.